Clear Aligner Specialist Serving Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA

Clear aligners are shell-like retainers that are made of a clear plastic that fit over the teeth, applying pressure to the teeth when they are being worn to gradually shift the teeth into alignment. They are recommended for patients who have mild to moderate misalignment of the teeth, including:

• Gapping between teeth
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth

The treatment using clear aligners typically involves a series of aligners that are to be worn for at least 22 hours daily for a couple of weeks at a time, with each aligner further shifting the teeth into alignment to gradually produce a straight smile.

Clear aligners can be a very effective orthodontic option for those with mild to moderate problems with the alignment of their teeth. They can provide beautiful results in as little as 6 months, with their efficacy predominantly depending on the reliability of the patient wearing them for as long as they are supposed to, as well as taking proper care of the aligners and their teeth in the process. Patients with more severe or complex misalignment of their teeth may not find this course of treatment to be as effective, or it would not be the most effective option available to them in those instances. It will be up to the patient and their orthodontist to determine whether clear aligners will be an effective treatment option for them, or if other options should be explored.

Invisalign clear aligners work by applying controlled and gentle pressure to particular teeth in specific directions while being worn, with only specific teeth being addressed with each set of aligners. The clear aligners use the current positioning of most of the teeth to form each aligner in a way that allows for specific teeth to be realigned, making the movements much more controlled while also providing a less painful option rather than having all of the teeth being adjusted at once. Each patient will be given a series of aligners that are created based on the updated positioning of the teeth to gradually move specific teeth into proper alignment, with each set of aligners being worn for about two weeks before the next set can be used. In order to be effective and to work properly, it is up to the patient to actually wear their clear aligners for the recommended amount of time on a daily basis since unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign clear aligners can be removed at any point by the patient for ease of eating and oral hygiene. The number of aligners that are required will depend on how significant the misalignment of the teeth is, with those that only require minor adjustments being able to complete the series in a matter of months.

Once you have received your clear aligners and they have been fitted properly by your orthodontist or dentist, you can start wearing them according to the recommendations of your provider. In most cases, patients will be recommended to wear their clear aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily, only removing them to eat, to brush and floss their teeth, and to regularly clean the aligners. It is likely that after wearing them for a bit, your teeth will begin to feel a bit sore as the initial shifting of the teeth occurs. This soreness may last for a few days but will likely subside as the teeth start to become aligned with the clear aligners until a new set is provided. It will likely feel a bit weird with the aligners in if you are not used to wearing retainers or an additional layer between the teeth, sometimes causing patients to speak with a bit of a lisp until they have become accustomed to the aligners. If you are experiencing any significant discomfort or pain, it is important that you mention it to your clear aligner provider in case any adjustments need to be made.

Aside from correcting mild to moderate misalignment to achieve a straighter, more aesthetically appealing smile, Invisalign clear aligners have the significant benefit of being far less conspicuous than traditional braces, with many people likely not even being able to notice if you are wearing clear aligners. Since they are removable, patients find them to be more comfortable as it is much easier to take proper care of their teeth and to continue eating their favorite foods without worrying about damaging the aligners. Also, fixing the alignment of the teeth can help to prevent other dental problems from developing down the road, making them not only an effective cosmetic solution but also a functional treatment as well.

If you want a brighter smile, this could be the answer you’ve been searching for. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to find out how this treatment can resolve your concerns. We are conveniently located at 3755 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. We serve patients from Santa Monica Los Angeles CA, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills CA, Inglewood CA, Marina Del Rey CA, Playa Vista CA, El Segundo CA, and surrounding areas.